The 12 Most Popular Hotels in Florida Right Now

The luxurious, 426-room 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach opened in March 2015 after a complete renovation (it was formerly Perry South Beach, and the Gansevoort Miami Beach before that). The 1 Hotel brand is extremely eco-conscious and the entire hotel has environment-friendly features including salvaged wood, hemp mattresses, and take-home socks instead of disposable slippers. Top-notch amenities include direct beach access; four pools, including one on the roof; three bars and fine-dining restaurant; fitness center; event spaces; and Tesla car service within a three-mile radius.

Reachable only by boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is located on a private island in the Florida Keys where wild key deer roam. It includes 30 luxurious suites, many with private oceanfront verandas. A favorite getaway for celebrities, it provides a secluded place to unplug from the world (use of technology is discouraged) and experience a romantic vacation in a lush, tropical environment.

After its $1 billion facelift in 2008, the Fontainebleau's 1,504 new rooms, nine pools, phenomenal spa and gorgeous design are hard to top. Despite its sexy nightclub, it's a relaxed property that attracts mostly families and convention goers. Its peaceful Miami Beach location - next to the also snazzy Eden Roc hotel - is 30 blocks from the South Beach action.

The 114-room Cheeca Lodge was one of the original luxury properties on Islamorada, dating to 1946 and earning plenty of celebrity cachet over the years (high-profile guests have included George W. Bush). The property was rebuilt after a fire gutted its main building in 2009, and now has bright, spacious rooms with tropical-luxe decor and massive bathrooms. The lush grounds are especially pretty at night, with Tiki-torch-lit paths. But the hotel's beach is manmade -- there's even a rock ledge on the water's edge -- making it muddy at times and less than ideal for swimmers and waders. And the family pool can get crowded; those traveling without children will probably prefer the much calmer adult-only pool.

This 40-room resort caters to the upscale traveler with luxurious, beach-chic cottages and high-end amenities. It is located on Sunset Key, a residential island off Key West, and is affiliated to the Westin Key West, with which it shares some features, such as the fitness center and the restaurants (though only guests of Sunset Key can use the on-site amenities; Westin guests do not have access to them). The hotel itself has wonderful amenities, including a lovely pool, a gorgeous beach with palm trees and clear waters, and a pleasant spa. Its location, though idyllic and exclusive, might be somewhat inconvenient for travelers who want to be close to shops and restaurants (the hotel only has one eatery on-site).

Hawks Cay Resort has the feel of a small village, due to its massive size and many amenities -- the property even has its own 85-slip marina. Many guests arrive by boat, as the resort is located on Duck Key, a secluded spot far from Key West's main airport. The property largely attracts families looking for a quiet vacation, thanks in part to family-friendly features such as a dolphin experience, kids' club, and multi-bedroom villas. Plus, the beach has calm waters, though some guests may be disappointed by its small size. There is not much to do outside the resort, however, due to the remote location.

The stunning 312-room W South Beach -- located on the beach, on the northern outskirts of South Beach -- blends cute comforts, intricate design (that spares no expense), and flawless service. Large, modern rooms; terraces angled to overlook the ocean; elegant landscaping around the pool; a lush Bliss spa -- the W tops the Miami greats.

Paradise doesn't come cheap. Striking but sober mood-lit design; impeccable service; huge, immaculate rooms; three pools, each a different temperature; and a prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. Its restaurants are more about design than food, but several of Miami's best restaurants are just half a block away.

The Delano's 195 all-white rooms don't come cheap, but you're paying for surreal, Philippe Starck style and all-night parties at the "water salon." To some, its hip factor has been bested by 1 Hotel South Beach or Shore Club, but their style doesn't compare, and good times are still to be had. The heated pool, trendy bar scene, and agua Spa are added perks, but note that rooms are showing some wear and tear.

This 153-room property is located in northern Key Largo, a short drive from the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and close to shops and restaurants. Not a lot stands out, but there are a few perks -- like a diver’s center on-site, an adequate spa, and a nice private beach (albeit a tiny one, with little room for swimming). Big rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and nicer decor than other mid-range chains in the area -- but many bathrooms could use a renovation. Upgrading to a suite will give you a full kitchen and a large sitting area, but smaller sleeping quarters. Book a room with an ocean view to enjoy the beautiful Key Largo sunsets (and avoid facing the nearby highway).

An amenities-packed hotel right on the beach in Sunny Isles, the Trump International Beach Resort is more casual than other Trump properties. Rooms here don't compare to the modern, highly stylized rooms of the more expensive Acqualina next door, but they did undergo a decor renovation in late 2011 that added some much needed color to the space. Limited nightlife options, plus two pools and a free kids' club, make it a better fit for families and business travelers than scene-hunting sophisticates.

The 790-room Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a luxurious mega-resort with attentive service and a big, freeform pool overlooking a beautiful stretch of beachfront. The hotel has a spa, gym, several upscale restaurants, and a convenient, central South Beach location. Some guests complain about securing a poolside chair (and there's a pesky fee for chairs on the beach) plus rates are high and extras like valet parking and gym access are pricey. Families are drawn to the hotel for a list of supervised activities for kids and pets are indulged with treats and toys. 


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